Minority Bar Association to hand out awards

By Matt Chandler – Editor for The Buffalo Law Journal, Buffalo Business First

Sep 12, 2012, 1:49pm EDTUpdatedSep 12, 2012, 2:32pm EDT

Orlando Perez knows a thing or two about hard work, determination and what it takes to motivate and help people.

Perez is president of SkyView Learning Group Inc., which trains the underemployed, unemployed and those receiving social services. He recently was named Business Person of the Year by the Minority Bar Association of Western New York.

“There are so many people in the Buffalo Niagara region that are doing so many wonderful things, it is humbling to be recognized for the work I do,” Perez said. “From a professional standpoint and from a personal standpoint, I think the work we are doing is so important in this community.”

He trains workers to fit specific jobs for which employers have openings but are unable to fill. That’s right — despite what you hear, not only are there jobs available, companies are struggling to fill them. That’s where Perez comes in, matching people in need with businesses in need.

“The economic struggles in this country affect everyone — it’s a people problem. But what we have found is that there is a disproportionate amount of minorities that have been left behind,” he said. “For us to be able to take those folks that need the help the most and provide them with the skills to survive and thrive is very satisfying.”

He is among eight honorees at the Minority Bar’s 30th annual Awards and Scholarship Celebration. The event is set for Thursday night at Rich’s Atrium, beginning at 5:45 p.m. Another is Erie County Family Court Judge Kevin Carter, recipient of the 2012 Trailblazer Award.

“Whenever your colleagues recognize you, I’m honored,” Carter said. “I have been practicing for over 20 years, so to receive this recognition is a great, great thing for me.”

Beyond the personal accolades, he said he sees the award as a chance to raise awareness of the work going on in family courts.

“I don’t do this job for awards or recognition,” Carter said. “The work we do is necessary. I like what I do and at times I think I am able to change things for the better through my work.”

Minority Bar President Joseph Brown said he and others are excited about this year’s event.

“This is a great opportunity for people from diverse ethnic backgrounds to come together and celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of these individuals who have distinguished themselves through community leadership and service,” he said.

It also puts the spotlight on tomorrow’s lawyers, as the association awards numerous scholarships to law school students.

“One of our goals is to increase diversity in the legal profession, and that is a task that has become increasingly difficult in recent years due to the economics of law school,” he said. “That’s why I think it is so important that we do things like this, with our scholarships and awards.”

Brown, who took over as president in January, said it has been a busy year for the Minority Bar.

“One of the things that we are particularly proud of has been our work with the UB Law School and Millard Fillmore College Explorer Law Program,” he said. “We also have another program called the discoverlaw.org Pre-Law Undergraduate Scholars Program.”

They have a common mission of increasing diversity in the legal profession and promoting the success of minority students pursuing a legal career.